San Mateo Public Library - Main Branch
San Mateo, CA 94402 (650) 522-7800
39 Reviews for San Mateo Public Library - Main Branch
Bright, clean space. Coffee, pastries, sandwiches. A teen lounge even. Lots of DVDs and CDs. Free underground parking with lots of spaces. Automatic checkout. Friendly staff. Even free plastic bags for you to haul all your books home with. wifi and free internet access throughout. Comfy chairs, lots of small meeting rooms, decent selection of foreign books and videos even.
What's not to like?
Daaannng! This is one NICE libary, er, I mean library. Now, I want to move to San Mateo (don't tell my wife that)! My idea of a public library is a small old building with crappy chairs and dust all over the books. This definitely isn't that. This place is really beautiful. I just wish it was closer to me.
My buddy brought me here a while back to crank away on our laptops and to have coffee. Yes, coffee - there's a Bean Street Coffee on the top floor which is quite convenient! There's wifi and wired Internet everywhere. There's plenty of parking underground. Oh, it's also open on Sundays so it's a cool weekend hangout.
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It's like having Shields without paying $10K a year in tuition!! I was super excited that this library also carried a book that Border's and B&N don't carry; I got a third through while waiting for my boyfriend to finish his interview [elsewhere].
My sisters would rave about this public library, but I initially dismissed all their words. After all, how on earth could a simple library be all that majestic? A library was a library, or so I thought. Now having visited the newly refurbished San Mateo Public Library, I know. From the moment I entered (the automatic doors sprung open), I was speechless. The high ceilings, contemporary interior design, and shelves and shelves of books were mindblowingly incredible. My first thought was that this was the first library I'd seen that was so clean, spacious, and modern that it resembled an airport. I've come back here several times since that first visit and checked out numerous books. I could sit here for entire days on end; it is that pleasant inside. Also, the self check-out systems are super cool.
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This is the alternate library for me since my local is the fab Burlingame library.
The natural light of the building, access to coffee, and excellent parking make this a good place to hang out and just browse. There are also free concerts, movies, lectures occasionally.
The main cons for me are the lack of books, hard to use self-checkout (but good staff help here), and the limited hours. All mentioned here by others.
On the hours thing, Burlingame has excellent hours comparatively. You might want to ask the librarian but my sense is hours depends on funding/ staffing. Burlingame Library Foundation website has somewhere listed that a donation of $30,000 means an extra hour opened for a year. I don't know if San Mateo Lib. has a similar group working on this.
For the record, the non-California suburb I grew up in, flushed with tech money in the 1990s, had our local library opening until MIDNIGHT Friday and Saturdays for a while. And it was busy.
Actually, 3 1/2 stars. What you need to know:
PROS:
1. beautiful
2. spacious
3. clean
4. great natural lighting
5. wifi
6. they show movies for free
7. filled with art on the walls
8. nice seating
9. parking
CONS:
1. Highschoolers: I am happy to see the kids in the library on their spare time, but I don't think they realize it is a library. Cell phones go off constantly, they talk in loud voices, and shout at each other across the room.
2. Staff: don't seemed phased at all by the blatant disregard for library rules, including the cardinal rule- "hush"
3. Actually the rest of my complaints are a result of the above two. For instance, people are constantly getting together to chat in the main areas like it is a coffee shop or bookstore. This library is extremely well equipped with study rooms, conference rooms, and even an outdoor balcony. Someone needs to guide people into these areas.
That said, if you are looking for a library that is more of a hang out spot and a place to meet old or new friends, this is the place for you. Especially when the coffee shop reopens.
Love it, love it, love it. This place is freaking HUGE. HUGE I TELL YOU. Three floors. Big floors. BAM. Looks like a shopping mall when you walk in. A nice one at that. There are plenty, more than plenty of little areas to grab a nice book and read and plenty of desks and chairs to find a nice little spot to study, quietly.
Noise isn't so much of a factor. Last time I came I was in a study room (yes the noise does leak through somewhat but it's bearable). Overall, it's a quiet, chill atmosphere. And the cafe, oh god the cafe, has Italian soda!
There are lots of study rooms and many computers to use. I brought my own laptop because it's my baby and you know, if I use another computer it would be like cheating. Thing is, as another person had mentioned, there are nine different connections. The two I flip flopped between were slow. When I say slow, I mean 56k days slow. Now that's pretty damn slow. Not good. Next time I'll pick a different one.
Another down side, why close so early? I'd like to stay longer! Psst, extend Saturday hours, that would be awesome.
Pros
- cafe on 3rd floor to ward off the studying munchies
- easy book return & email reminders of due dates
- Project Read: free & confidential adult literacy tutoring
- brand new facility & equipment
- downtown location
Con
- limited hours
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did you know that this library is very eco-friendly (my environmental science teacher told us this and showed us a whole brochure about how it gives back to the environment)? I was very happy when i heard this. Not only is this library very big, nice, and convenient. It's eco-friendly which is always a plus!
Anyways, I love the semi-new library. My friends and I always go here to finish class projects, to study for finals, or just relax in the silence. there is a ton of places to study, like private study rooms, or open desks/ seats in the main areas. There is a huge selection of book (of course it's a library!) cds, dvds, etc. And the library has special specific places for everyone- A HUGE kids area, where there are storytimes and other events, a teen zone, computer areas, and just regular sitting areas. such an awesome library.
Very nice clean spacious library! Bathrooms are spacious and clean. Plenty of space to work and bring laptop. Free wi-fi! Lots of windows, well lit. Plenty of parking spaces in underground parking garage. My only complaint is the wacky hours. Example, they're not open until 12noon on Mondays and only open 1pm-5pm on Sundays.
This is a great find since my move to San Mateo. On Saturday mornings after yoga class, we will drive over, park in the garage, buy a cup of caffe mocha, grab a few books, set up our laptops, and relaxed in this elegant building designed by EHDD (http://www.ehdd.com/in...). The library even has California Building Code 2007. Great collection of Chinese books and classical music CDs. Audio book CD collection is not as extensive as Orinda Library but they are both wonderful places (see yelp review on http://www.yelp.com/bi...). There is free wi-fi, and with a libarary card, you can use the internet stations there as well. We love this library, but really wish we could transfer the books from other county branches for free as in the case of Orinda Library. Yeah, I admit we like freebies =)
does that dude Denny still work there? If so he should get his own wing of the mofo. The new design is rad. I wish I still lived back home i'd go to it more
I've lived in San Mateo for over a year now, and this is the first time I've gone to the library here. Lest you think I am an illiterate plebe, I'll just say I live much closer to the Burlingame library, so I normally go there. However, today I was in the area so I decided to stop in.
This is a very modern, airy, open library. It seems to be the common way to do libraries these days. The Santa Clara library, which opened a few years ago, is remarkably similar. This sort of design reminds me of college, because it is the style that our engineering library was built in (where I spent way too much time).
That being said, while I like this modern design aesthetically, I sort of miss the more cluttered, homier libraries of my youth. I also miss paper card catalogs. And checking out books with an actual card in the book. Oh, that reminds me, they have an RFID system for self check out of the books. Not quite sure what I think of that. It's convenient, but a bit creepy.
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Wifi signals fill the library -- but it's confusing because there are 9 different wireless signals. Some are also faster than the others -- depends on signal strength and number of users, I suppose. When I was by the International books section, I had a hard time grabbing a solid fast signal.
The building, otherwise, is awesome. The architects really put some thought into making this building green. There are solar panels on the roof and lots of multi-pane-glass windows to trap in just the right amount of heat. There is no shortage of sitting areas, tables, and most importantly, outlets. There's at least one outlet at every table and the little triangle tables have one on each side. Ding!
The San Mateo main branch doesn't seem to have a very vibrant multi-media selection. I think the Belmont selection was better organized for browsing.
Overall, I think this is a great library but it somehow lacks the warmth of the Belmont library.
This library is awesome. I love the cafe on the third floor. Also love all the computers with free internet. I used to spend so much money buying books from amazon, but not anymore! I browse amazon or bookstores to find books I want to read, then I put them on hold at the library (75 cents). I've also gotten several books on CD which is great. Just download to Itunes and then listen to them whenever. Have also checked out a whole bunch of DVDs. There isn't a huge selection on the shelf, but again, only 75 cents to put a hold on anything.
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The new library is awesome. If you're not old (or local) enough to remember the library before, it was dark and cluttered, neither of which applies to the new joint.
I guess the online catalog is standard for the 21st century, but I can remember a time when you had to search through a card catalog, and borrowing from other libraries was unheard of. Now you can find out which library on the Peninsula has your book or DVD, and for 75 cents they'll send it from as far away as San Bruno or Menlo Park if you're not in a hurry.
The selection is extensive and growing every day. They have great out of print cookbooks I'm so glad I discovered. My boys love the car books, and not only on the children's floor, either. There is a variety of obscure and edifying books on the history of Kenya, for example. Thanks to the library, I've learned more about that country than I did in the two years I lived there.
There are many places to plop down and read, and if you need to study together or tutor, like I do, there are private study rooms of every size.
They have a selection of DVDs, most notably foreign movies and Food Network episodes, but if you want the whole shebang you have to drive across town to the Marina branch.
My family is proud to support such a wonderful place with our late fees!
I'll have to say I never checked out a book here preferring the clean modern space to sit and read books I've checked out from the Burlingame Library-- however... checking IN books here have never been easier! There are deposit stations inside and outside (drive-by) that you need only to pass a book near and it will open the slot and take your materials in via conveyor belt.
Private study rooms abound and there are always open internet stations when I visit. The cafe on the third floor is super convenient-- just keep your coffee off the books-- and it also boasts an outdoor patio.
Perhaps the only drawback are the occasional foulmouthed afterschool preteens disrupting the peace with their obnoxious mini MySpace conventions. Luckily they are almost always quickly dispatched by the library staff or an adult library patron. ...little whippersnappers had it coming. Oh man, I'm becoming a crotchety old lady and I'm enjoying it.
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This library ROCKS. Multiple levels to sit and read in silence and a pretty decent and up to date selection of Graphic Novels, they freaking had the a first print New Warriors TBP from the early 90's, Iron Man the "Demon in a Bottle" TBP and BKV's Pride of Baghdad hardcover AND most of the Ultimate X-Men trades!!! AHHH. F'n A man F'n A.
and books too.
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The most gorgeous, awe-inspiring library in California!
Funded by a huuuuuuuge grant, this newly-built library opened its doors less than a year ago and now boasts:
* spectacular architecture. a grand, modern design (tons of glass, maple, steel, hundred foot-high ceilings)
* dozens of private study rooms
* expansive fiction and foreign-language sections
* teen corner (to drop off your annoying relatives or kid you're babysitting)
* a cafe !!!!!!
* computer lab w/ flat screens and all the latest computer models, whoa
* self check-out that can read like six books at once (you dont even have to scan them; you just put the whole pile on the table and the computer reads them. you can tell i was impressed by this..lol)!
It's now become one of my favorite things to do on a Sunday. This library is gargantuan in size and you could spend hours here. Bring your Chinese mama and she will love you for (1) reading! and (2) introducing her to the huge foreign-language book selection.
Did I mention it's so beautiful it took my breath away? sort of like Angelina Jolie, only a library.
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Being the nerd that I am, I love this library! I've only been here once so far, but I LOVE it already! It definitely rates 5-stars on the cool factor! Having been to several libraries already, I've got to say, this is an awesome library!
Ok, so it doesn't have the medical books or all the scientific journals a medical library would have, but it's a pretty cool place to hang out when you want to get some work done.
So what are things I love about it so far?
1. You're allowed to eat and drink anywhere in the library! How cool is that??
2. The tables are big-- for those who've studied with me, you know I hog up the whole table with all my crap
3. Socket plugs on the side of the tables for your laptop or other electronics--necessary if you're there for awhile
4. Bright light coming in from the vast windows-don't even need to turn on the table lamp
5. Environmentally friendly
6. Cafe right IN the library
7. Free wifi
8. Free parking in the garage underneath
9. It's in San Mateo, close to a lot of yummy restaurants!
10. You don't smell like the coffee shop when you come out of it (you all know what I mean if you've been to Starbucks or other coffee shops...the smell of food (not coffee) sticks to your clothes)
INSPIRING! MODERN! WONDERFUL!
I'm a bibliothequeophile after visiting this library today, 6/19/07!!!
I write this from another Peninsula Library, San Carlos (see: http://www.yelp.com/bi... ) and I'm wishing i was back at the San Mateo Main...
I love the high ceilings and sense of space in this library. The chairs are plentiful and comfortable. Excellent selection of business books and the availability is great. I discovered quite a few new books in their business section.
Bright, airy, and an easy place to concentrate. The interior reminds me of the design elements found in Scandanavia/Finland - a beautiful blend of metal, glass, and wood. It's an amazing public space!
more laters...
pix laters...
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I, too, love the look of this new library. I don't mind walking the flights of stairs; I could use the exercise.
I LOVE that they have a cafe (they finally realized why people like me would go to Barnes and Nobles and read, so I could also drink coffee - but felt bad about not actually buying their books - but obviously not bad enough to stop doing it); and I LOVE that it's Bean Street Coffee, which is one of my favorite places to hang out. They can do frappe's with soymilk for me, which I like. And I appreciate that they're a local joint.
My only complaint about the library is their HOURS! I wish they were open later; Mondays and Tuesdays they're open until 9pm, but the rest of the week it's only until 5 or 6pm.
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This library is so beautiful and looks like you are walking inside a modern mansion!! There is so much open space and there is free parking and even a cafe (overpriced though...) But another question, why are there so many loud annoying children there? And not just loud, but incredibly racist, sexist, and homophobic because children have turned into devils nowadays? I'm just so disappointed at the world.
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OH.... MY.... GOD.
This library is unbelievable. Huge. Free Parking. Cafe. And Jesus it is just gorgeous!!!
There are only 2 things I didn't like. 1) It took me forever to check out my books. That is the weirdest checkout system ever. You have to place all your books on the table at once? Whaaaaa? Totally confusing, and then I couldn't figure out if I'd even checked out all my books or not. It's much easier at Redwood City; don't know why they can't use the same system, but, whatever.
2) You have to get your butt out of the parking lot by the time they close or you're screwed. There are signs all over the elevator doors (to the parking garage) that warn you, if you don't have it out by the exact time of closing, you're going to get stuck there till the next day. I don't know if they have a 5 minute slack/grace period for you to get out if you start heading for your car right when the library closes, but the sound of several cars screeching out of the lot at 4:59 on a Friday was an indication to me that I better not take any chances with this place.
Still, this has got to be the most beautiful library I've ever seen in my life. The fact that I can go to this place and check out whatever I want, for free, is something that will never cease to amaze me. Thanks once again to the Penninsula Library system, for making it easier to adjust to life outside San Francisco.
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UPDATE: According to Frisco J, the SM Library's garage is a great place to make out. I'm going to have to try that!
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I'm a library geek. I love libraries. I was so excited for the new main library to open in San Mateo and it looked so cool on the outside. But I've been disappointed with the place. The inside is not quite as nice as expected. The decor is seemingly attractive, but if you look closely the materials seem cheap. I'm guessing that in a couple of years it's going to look run down.
I also don't like the layout. There is almost nothing on the first floor. Unless you have children, you're forced to climb to the second and third floors to access what you want. The circulation desk was poorly planned. There's no natural place for people to queue and when they do, they block foot traffic.
My biggest complain, by far, concerns the auto-check-out machines. They're awful! This RFID thing is such a pain. If you have 1 or 2 materials to check out, it works fine, but any more and you have to struggle to get the thing to recognize all your books, cd's and dvd's. It's so frustrating. Other libraries have easy to use machines that scan bar codes. I've never had problems with these bar-code readers. I wish they'd trash these RFID ones.
Beautiful space to study, read, and/or enjoy a cup of coffee. This place has three floors and is well-lit by both inside lights and outside (with plenty of windows). There are a bunch of meetings rooms that are available on a first come, first served basis. On weekends, these rooms can be scarce or just simply unavailable for long periods of time (there's no time limit for occupying the room, nor is there a reservation process). Love the free wi-fi! Only wish the hours were longer - other than Monday and Tuesday, the library closes by 5 or 6 p.m.
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Wow, this place is pretty. I love how new it smells. And how they have children's artwork along a whole wall on the children's level.
Kristina R. kindly summed me up perfectly in one sentence: "A geeky smart gorgeous girl." Well, I know she probably threw in the gorgeous part so that I would agree to marry her once our men run off with each other.
The temporary main library was located across the street from my apartment, right above Left Bank. It was so convenient to walk across the street and check out some books. The new main library just opened up last month. I went to check it out this past weekend, because, yes, I am a nerd.
The building itself is grandiose and modern. The new library is 54,000 sq. ft. larger than the previous library, there is 5 times more space for children, teens have their own 'Teen Lounge' and a cafe. And there are 13 individual and group study rooms. There are about 100 computers for internet use. And there is plenty of underground parking.
Maybe I should apply for grad school. I would not mind studying inside this library. Oh, who am I kidding? I can't keep my eyes open for more than 10 minutes if you put me in a library to study. But if I could, I'd come here all the time.
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I went here the Monday after it opened, looking for a few specific books and was generally successful. I did have trouble checking the books out at the self-check station; you have to leave the book on the counter after it's been scanned - it was weird and confusing and pretty much everyone required staff help (kind of defeated the purpose of self check-out). The best part of course is the Bean Street spawn on the top floor and that you can drink coffee anywhere. Well maybe the best part is actually all the open space, which manages to still be quiet and provide great natural lighting.
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I call this the most beautiful library i have ever seen!! it looks small on the outside but it's SO big in the inside. they have an awesome array of books, that i enjoy looking at. i luv their cafe on the 3rd floor, the computers and all this other stuff!! the one down fall i find not good is the elevator. it takes really long for the elevator to open but on the bright side i like all of the library's rest.
Elevators in parking garage need better markings. There are two elevators in the parking garage, and, apparently, one is only for staff. However, that staff elevator is NOT MARKED. Had there been a sign saying "Staff Elevator" then people would not have to waste time waiting for the 'wrong' elevator.
Put a sign up please!
Otherwise, great library. Plenty of seating and free wifi, although the signal is kinda eh.
1) There is a cafe on the 3rd floor.
2) Ubiquitous wi-fi.
3) Light and airy.
4) Good selection of new books.
This is the nicest public library not associated with a college. It reminds me of a gigantic loft with high ceilings, walls of windows, and coffee (yes, you can drink coffee in here) that taste great. I find myself here every Saturday from 11am to about 4:30pm with my only break being a quick sandwich or salad meal from the cafe. The hours on Saturday are 10am to 5pm and there's plenty of underground parking. FYI. There's also 2-hour street parking surrounding the library.
What a great feat the city of San Mateo has accomplished. This entire project was voter-approved and backed by additional Government funds.
The library celebrated its grand opening on Sunday, August 27. The structure itself boasts a Journalism and News Center, Teen Lounge, wireless access throughout the building and an incredible Children's Area. Additionally, there are numerous private Group Study rooms and abundant internet access workstations throughout the facility.
Also, they have great Special Collections and a Biotechnology Resource Center. Locally owned Bean Street Cafe hosts a cafe near the Teen Lounge, complete with pastries! I'm especially happy about this and have often pondered why libraries don't do this, since the cafe/books combination has proven so succesfful in bookstores in the area.
Check out the library just for the aesthetics alone. It's an incredible new asset for the peninsula.
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This is the BEST Library EVER!! - then again, i've probably been to less than 10 libraries in my lifetime, but how many libraries do you know that you can eat in (it has it's very own cafe), does not mandate that you be quiet and has tons of cool stuff? i'm sure the book selection is the same as the old library, but there are some great things that make this library quite cool:
1) nice comfy leather furniture (the interior design is pretty modern)
2) self-check out system that is so awesome, you don't even need to scan the barcodes. just set your books on this gray area, and it automatically knows somehow which books you've placed on top of it.
3) a book return that has a conveyor belt inside and talks to you
4) free wifi
a perfect place to spend many cold winter days.
I have to agree with the other reviewers...the new library is AWESOME. And NOT just because the old one was AWFUL.
I am a library lover and my favorite has always been the Burlingame Library because it is so well-designed.
However I must say that the San Mateo Library is more dynamic...a real hub of activity for the community...and SOOOO user-friendly. Every time I visit I say "Wow...I am really glad to have paid my taxes for something like this." It is a wonderful place and just goes to show that libraries can be the centerpiece of a community!
The new library cost a lot of money and it shows - great design, open spaces, lots of Internet terminals and quiet places to get work done.
Just like everyone has said...wow. This really is the nicest library that isn't on a college campus (it's nicer than most actually) or that isn't 100 years old. It's modern, it has smart architecture to enhance the natural light throughout the building, it's got several elevators and parking (unlike the OLD library that stood here during my childhood). There's a cafe on the 3rd floor supporting a local vendor, Bean Street Coffee. There's even outdoor seating and balcony up there! There's free wi-fi everywhere...and on 8 seperate nodes so you can't overcrowd just one and you switch between them when one gets too busy. It's got microfiche of the San Francisco Chronicle since...the day it was first published! Large selection of books and reference material (unlike the Foster City Library). What a brilliant place. Tons of computers for those who can't afford internet at home. It's everything a modern library should be. Wow.
Wow! Was the first word that came out of my mouth the first time i set foot in the door. Three different levels. Cafe. Free Wi-Fi. Plethora of art books. Easy check out. 5 minute walk from my apartment. Priceless. Now to the Cons: I've used their study (quiet) rooms many times but i wished that they have more of them. The third floor has a contemporary feel with the modern furniture by the cafe, I wish that they added more of those funky desk chairs in the teen lounge at all floor levels. I can certainly enjoy doing some work on those than in the normal seats. Overall, I applaud San Mateo city and county for providing such a great center that stimulates the reader's minds with the collection of literature but I also applaud them in the modernistic approach in building the exterior and specially the interior. They really planned the design with all ages in mind. It is truly a great place to chill, think BORDERS or BARNES with multiple levels and funky furniture and minus kitchen blender noise!
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I really like this new Main Library but I still miss the old ones juss because of the memories of going to it but, I admire its beauty and efficient structure...and comparing it to the old building, there seems to be more brightness to it...the old one was pretty dark, even during the day...the only little problem is that some of the ppl that come to the library and they think they can act as they want and use the computers as if its their own to enjoy....I highly recommend this library to anyone....try out the cafe on the third floor atleast once, don't be afraid to ask help from the volunteers, they are there to help, and please please, remember when the library closes on certain days...When I wait for my ride to come after the library has closed, there are always atleast 10 people that come up to go in but are bumbed when they see it closed...once there was this guy who parked his car in the parking lot to go into the library but it was closed and the parking lot closes when the library closes so, he couldn't get to his car...bummer?!.....so remember--its usually mondays/tues ends at nine, then wed/thurs ends at 6, fri/sat ends at like five and so does sunday but that day starts at one, so its shorter...hope this works!!....
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